HITEC Offers Numerous Conference Technology Features for Attendees

Industry professionals attending the Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®) June 23 -26, 2014 in Los Angeles, Calif., will be pleased to find several new and returning technology features. These features are meant to help attendees participate and navigate their way through the event filled week.

New HITEC 2014 Mobile Site — A new mobile site will soon be available to coincide with HITEC 2014. This site will feature the conference schedule, schedule personalization tools, exhibitor information, maps with way finding capability and customizable convention content for attendees. No download is necessary, making it easily accessible on any mobile device. More details will be available to attendees before arriving in Los Angeles.

Virtual Trade Show — HFTP has partnered with XplorIt Multimedia Technologies to create a virtual trade show that will allow visitors to walk the exhibit hall and see HITEC as its happening. Attendees will be able to watch as the Los Angeles Convention Center’s West Hall is transformed from an empty space through a time-lapse of the set-up to the final reveal of the big show. Attendees can visit the XplorIt counter at the HFTP Booth #455 virtually see their experience on exhibit floor.

Google Glass Demonstration — In addition to participating in a virtual tour, attendees will have the opportunity to experience and learn about Google Glass. Chosen as a Google Explorer, Ajay Aluri, Ph.D., assistant professor with the College of Business and Economics at West Virginia University, will allow interested attendees a chance to experience Google Glass as part of a research study of the use of Google Glass for cyber-tourism for the hospitality industry. After playing with the popular tech tool, attendees will have the option to contribute to the research by completing a short online survey. Those interested can also attend the Tech Talk regarding Google Glass on Tuesday, June 24 at 11:00 a.m in the HFTP Booth.

Official HITEC Guest Bloggers — Returning for 2014, HFTP has recruited three guest bloggers with multiple industry perspectives to write about their HITEC experiences. From the opening party, to the informative education sessions and innovative technology coming from the show floor, these individuals will offer an inside look at all things HITEC. These blog posts will be featured on the official HFTP Connect blog.

TodaysMeet — Interact with HITEC education live never before. HITEC education participants will be able to network with their fellow attendees or even the speaker of a session with TodaysMeet. Each individual session will have its own specific “chat room” where attendees and speakers can interact within the session. With Wi-Fi provided by CISCO available in the education rooms, all attendees will need is internet access through their smart device.

Social Media Conversation — To find the most up-to-date information and news on HITEC, attendees can join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. Search for HITEC/HFTP in each of these outlets and follow along during the week. Those active on Twitter are encouraged to use the HITEC hashtag (#HITEC) so comments about the event can be featured on the prominent Twitter walls throughout the conference.

Wi-Fi — HITEC makes it easy for attendees to stay connected during the week by offering complimentary Wi-Fi in the HITEC areas at the Los Angeles Convention Center, including in the West Hall Lobby, Digital Den, HFTP Membership Lounge and in the education rooms. The Wi-Fi will be provided by Cisco, and there will be a Cisco-staffed Wi-Fi Help Desk in the Digital Den to assist attendees with any Wi-Fi questions.

For more information about HITEC and all that the four day event has to offer the hospitality technology professional, visit www.hitec.org.